University of South Dakota PA Program: Requirements, Tuition & Stats

• More forgiving on GPA — The average accepted overall GPA (3.2) is in the lower quarter nationally, which makes this a realistic target for applicants whose numbers are the weakest part of their file.

• Faster to practice — At 24 months, this program is shorter than most. That means less tuition and earlier income, but a denser schedule with little slack.

• Small cohort — A class of 25 is well below the national median of 40. Expect more faculty contact and a tighter class culture — and fewer seats to compete for.

• Lower cost — In-state tuition of $50,241 is in the least expensive quarter of PA programs. Over a career that difference is real money.

• Residency matters — Out-of-state tuition ($103,015) runs 105% above in-state. If you can establish residency, this program gets substantially cheaper.

University of South Dakota is located in South Dakota. The details below come straight from the program and are re-checked on a rolling basis.

At a glance

• Location: South Dakota

• Institution type: Public

• Program length: 24 months

• Class size: 25 students

• Start month: July

• Application deadline: September

• In-state tuition: $50,241

• Out-of-state tuition: $103,015

• Average overall GPA: 3.2

• Average science GPA: 3.2

• Minimum overall GPA: 3

• Minimum science GPA: 3

• Minimum PCE hours: 500 hours

• Letters of recommendation: 3

• First-time PANCE pass rate: 93%

• Accreditation status: Continued

Admission requirements

• Supplemental application: Yes (fee $40)

• Shadowing: Recommended

• Letters of recommendation: 3

• Patient care experience: 500 hours minimum

• Interview format: Traditional Interview; Panel Interview

Prerequisites

• Minimum prerequisite grade: C

• Prerequisite expiration: 10 years

• AP or CLEP credit accepted: Yes

• Pass/Fail coursework accepted: Yes

Required coursework

• Two semesters of Biology 7-8 credit hours

• 3 credit hours must be from upper-level biological course(s). Examples of Other Upper-Level Courses (** highly recommended):

• Cell Biology

• Genetics

• Immunology

• Molecular Biology

• Pharmacology

• Embryology

• Endocrinology

• Histology

• Neuroscience

• Two semesters of Chemistry with Lab 8 credit hours

• Two semesters of Anatomy and Physiology with Lab 8 credit hours

• Microbiology with Lab 3 credit hours

• Biochemistry 3 credit hours

• General Psychology (or other psychology elective) 3 credit hours

• Abnormal Psychology 3 credit hours

• Statistics 2 credit hours (e.g., Biostatistics, General Statistics, Psychology Statistics)

Recommended: Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology

Cost

• In-state tuition: $50,241

• Out-of-state tuition: $103,015

• Supplemental application fee: $40

• Seat deposit: $400

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• Program website: University of South Dakota

• Admissions page: Admissions information

• Prerequisite details: Prerequisite coursework

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 605-658-5926

• Address: Center for Health Education, Room 316, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069

Program information last verified July 6, 2026. Requirements change — always confirm directly with the program before applying.